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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grand are grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to grand?

In some situations, the words grandiose and grand are roughly equivalent. However, grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience, but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose hydroelectric projects
grandiose schemes

When can imposing be used instead of grand?

The meanings of imposing and grand largely overlap; however, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When could magnificent be used to replace grand?

The words magnificent and grand can be used in similar contexts, but magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for grand?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When is it sensible to use stately instead of grand?

While the synonyms stately and grand are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grand Dickinson Hall, the Lake Forest Senior Center, was chosen as this year’s location, for its beautiful grand room. Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 This comes amid major changes implemented by Trump's administration, which include firing career agency employees, freezing trillions in grand funds and halting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which could result in major layoffs. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Toro gave the seven-story townhouse a grand makeover including an indoor pool, roof terrace, and artisanal furniture. celebrities Inside Paloma Elsesser’s Timeless Brooklyn Home Today, AD is welcomed by supermodel Paloma Elsesser to tour her Brooklyn townhouse. Ariel Foxman, Architectural Digest, 31 Jan. 2025 The breadth shift from December to January has been nothing short of monumental, which was on grand display all session. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Out of these mixings will come magnificent horrors and amazements.
    Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Bonifacio, Corsica What is perhaps the Med’s most magnificent natural harbor is surrounded by some of its most dramatic cliffs.
    Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The provision will overburden the already congested main runway at DCA and, as shown by a recent near-collision at the airport, increase the risk of a serious accident there.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The sanctuary room will be the center’s main attraction and is expected to bring in around 175 to 250 people on the first Sunday of the month, when the largest meetings are scheduled to take place.
    Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Perez, a Kendall area resident who represents a western Miami-Dade district, says a little communication could have gone a long way to preventing the whole imbroglio.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
  • But this has been a hallmark of the whole debate between the U.N. and Israel.
    ABC NEWS, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The large remote-locking saddlebags can be complemented by an optional top case, and there are powerlets for charging phones and other gear on board.
    William Roberson, Forbes, 29 Jan. 2025
  • This week, coffee prices hit a new high after the Trump administration threatened a 25% tariff on Colombia — the third largest coffee-producing country in the world.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Central France has been occupied off and on for thousands of years, by aristocratic families to nomadic tribes.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
  • According to Creighton and his co-authors, there has been quite a lot of research on castles, which dominated aristocratic sites in England after the Norman Conquest.
    Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tucci hosts the popular Tucci - The Heart of Italy show which tours the country sampling and celebrating the wonderful food that originates there.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • This is a debut entry and a wonderful term that’s new to me.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a huge, huge demand for the film in the United States.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The country has promised not only to develop renewable energy, but also to spend huge amounts of money on drought and flood protections.
    Jake Bittle, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Check into a $10,000 to $50,000 a night private villa on Fisher Island and enjoy the same glorious views of the Atlantic or Biscayne Bay that Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and Dwyane Wade get.
    Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
  • These potato boats have four of the best foods all in one glorious appetizer: bacon, chicken, cheese, and potato—all drizzled with ranch.
    Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near grand

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

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